A file reportedly discovered in the second beta of Apple's next-generation desktop operating system suggests that the company is exploring a new kind of Bluetooth-enabled remote control, potentially hinting at future plans for the Apple TV set-top box.

The file, called "AppleBluetoothRemote.kext," is said to contain references to a remote control with an integrated Bluetooth module, multitouch trackpad, and support for audio playback or recording. The kext extension indicates it is an OS X kernel extension, which is used to dynamically load code into the kernel.

It does not appear in the first beta of OS X El Capitan --?which was handed out earlier this month during the Worldwide Developers Conference --?or in the recent OS X Yosemite 10.10.4 beta, as noted by 9to5Mac.

Apple is believed to be planning to include just such a touchpad-based remote when it eventually releases new Apple TV hardware. It is likely to be slightly thicker than the current Apple TV remote to account for the touchpad, but will retain the play/pause and menu buttons.

Other reports have suggested that a new Apple TV might come with support for Siri, which could fit with the audio capabilities supposedly seen in the kernel extension. Amazon's FireTV uses its own remote as a microphone for voice control, a possible model for Apple's new hardware.

The latest beta of OS X El Capitan was also found to support the 4,096-by-2,304-pixel resolution, which has led to speculation that it could reveal a new 21.5-inch iMac with Retina display. However, that resolution is the standard for 4K content, so its inclusion is not necessarily solid evidence of a new iMac.

I sure hope so. I'd also like to see it use magnetic induction charging via an accessory or on the Apple TV, as well asTouchID-like feature that isn't tied to security so much as convenience which allow different members of the household pick up the remote and have the user-specified settings, UI, channels, saved content, etc. instantly adjust so the living room can finally get pulled into the "personal' device realm of modern computing.

We've yet to see it, so I can't entirely judge, but I don't know what to make of this "touchpad-bluetooth-remote" we've been hearing about for the next AppleTV.

Look, its very simple. A physical remote with physical buttons is very tough to match in terms of tactile utility for TV input. However, it lacks a tremendous amount of input capability for a device like AppleTV. Keyboard, for one. This is why the iOS Remote App is so superior. Everyone in the household has their own remote (you never lose it), and it can utilize a keyboard when necessary (a keyboard that includes dictation...aka, Siri's entire purpose on AppleTV).

Apple has the major challenge of creating a single remote, to include with the price of AppleTV, that is actually better than using your own iPhone.

So far, we've heard it described as similar to the current remote, but including a touchpad-like area, bluetooth connectivity (to replace the need for point-and-click infrared), and Siri. Lets also image as well that AppleTV itself gets its much needed UI overhaul, and that Global Search is finally possible. How does a user decide whether to use the buttons, the trackpad, or Siri? Sounds like none of the 3 is good enough by itself, so all 3 input methods are needed. Sure as hell does not sound like the input device we've all been waiting for...it sounds like a hodge podge of conflicting ideas.

And despite wearing an ? WATCH and enjoying the way voice replaces text input for certain things....it has to WORK, or it becomes insanely frustrating.

And, if this was for the AppleTV, why would it be in the beta of OS X? One would think it would have been found in iOS. Seems sort of odd. I was thinking maybe it's for an updated Magic Trackpad (with Force Touch), but then why would it be capable of reproducing/recording sound?

Controlling an Apple TV by talking into a Bluetooth remote makes lots of sense.

Speaking commands directly into a remote that you hold in your hand would likely have more accurate results than shouting at a box near your television. Also, you would need Bluetooth to transfer the voice data from the remote to the Apple TV. I think that kind of data transfer would not be possible with a simple infrared remote.

I sure hope so. I'd also like to see it use magnetic induction charging via an accessory or on the Apple TV, as well asTouchID-like feature that isn't tied to security so much as convenience which allow different members of the household pick up the remote and have the user-specified settings, UI, channels, saved content, etc. instantly adjust so the living room can finally get pulled into the "personal' device realm of modern computing.

Maybe it will work with OS X similar to the way that Front Row used to work with the ? remote. This would allow anyone with a Mac to have the same ? TV-like experience on their macs. It would also lead to a lot more paid subscriptions to their rumored TV streaming service.

I sure hope so. I'd also like to see it use magnetic induction charging via an accessory or on the Apple TV, as well asTouchID-like feature that isn't tied to security so much as convenience which allow different members of the household pick up the remote and have the user-specified settings, UI, channels, saved content, etc. instantly adjust so the living room can finally get pulled into the "personal' device realm of modern computing.

and with that kind of remote, ATV will cost $400. No thanks. It's a remote at the end of the day.

Controlling an Apple TV by talking into a Bluetooth remote makes lots of sense.

Speaking commands directly into a remote that you hold in your hand would likely have more accurate results than shouting at a box near your television. Also, you would need Bluetooth to transfer the voice data from the remote to the Apple TV. I think that kind of transfer of data would not be possible with a simple infrared remote.

Controlling an Apple TV by talking into a Bluetooth remote makes lots of sense.

Speaking commands directly into a remote that you hold in your hand would likely have more accurate results than shouting at a box near your television. Also, you would need Bluetooth to transfer the voice data from the remote to the Apple TV. I think that kind of transfer of data would not be possible with a simple infrared remote.

but but not everyone speak English.

Ha! I grew up in Southern California and lived in Tucson and really enjoy the Mexican culture -- especially the food and the music!